Modern Moms -- you can have it all this holiday season maintain your health and enjoy the time with friends, family and colleagues. This two part series provides tips for making it a happy and healthy holiday season.

The second part of this series focuses on what to do in the moment to enable your preparation efforts ( part 1) to unfold into a happy and healthy holiday season. Here are some tips to help you through the holidays

In the moment

1. Plan for your favorites note what you really like versus what is just there, and choose to enjoy your favorites while passing on the others

2. Make new friends but keep the old new holiday traditions healthier versions of old recipes, as well as the same time that you make your family traditions.

3. When giving family gifts give the gift that keeps on giving (right back to you); perhaps you and your son will go hiking when you give him new hiking boots, or you and your daughter will do a dance class together that you give her as a gift. Let your desire for healthier habits spill over into the gifts you give.

4. Save the superhero stuff for the movies know your limits. It's okay to say no to driving another trip to the mall, or meeting your friends to holiday shop if it means you need time for you. Take you time throughout the holidays, you'll be more enjoyable and you'll enjoy your moments with others more if you feel grounded in yourself.

5. Manage self expectations there will be days where your eating is less optimal, there will be days when you need sleep as opposed to exercise. Rule of thumb try to avoid having a food and activity day off choose either activity or food to give into (So if you know it's an egg nog night, plan for some activity earlier in the day or a walk after the party; conversely, if you're too exhausted for the gym, get to bed early by passing on dessert and going straight to bed as early as possible).

6. Revisit 'the kid in all of us' get the adults to come out and play before or after a big meal.

Activities like ghost in the graveyard, red rover, building a snowman, apple picking for the pie, cider; plan a neighborhood treasure hunt.

7. Avoid triggers, respond to cues. Are you hungry or are you thirsty? Did you just eat a meal or snack with more sodium, and are now craving something sweet? Are you tired or overwhelmed, and eating for emotional comfort?

8. Get into the meaning of the holidays Giving to others by donating leftovers, donating time at a soup kitchen, giving to charities in lieu of other gifts.

About ModernMom.com: Modern Mom ( www.modernmom.com) features smart and practical advice on topics such as parenting, finances, career, health, wellness, beauty, entertainment and more. Read more about Health & Wellness at http://www.modernmom.com/category/HealthWellness

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